Most places use frozen soft shell crabs (some even do that in season). Anastasio's Seafood at 9th and Washington told me they are flash frozen (cooked? live? I didn't ask) and are as good as fresh. They have them year round I believe for retail purchase (It was in season, so I declined to try them)

bigley nailed it....i worked in a fish market for 4 years when i was younger and there is no shame in eating frozen soft shells (probably not maryland blue shells). if you are trying to eat locally, well, that will then be an issue.

This is usually my go-to spot when it comes to Chinatown, usually b/c i go down during the late night/early morning hrs. I always thought their SBS was pretty good (more like batter fried) but not outstanding. Sang Kee was the place that got me on to it, and I hold them pretty high too, most likely on the sole fact that they got me hooked. I need to try Shiao Lan Kung. I've only been there once and was turned off due to the long wait and somewhat dirty interior.

david's mai lai wah's salt-baked seafood usually tends to be my favorite (though i usually go for shrimp rather than squid - will have to try squid next time!). was not a fan of tai lake's, LHF's was so-so, and i haven't been to shiao lan kung. gonna have to head there next!